Unleash Your Hacking Skills with These Top 5 Linux Distributions
Introduction
When it comes to ethical hacking and penetration testing, many people associate the field with Kali Linux. However, there are several other Linux distributions that are specifically tailored for these purposes. In this article, we will explore the top five Linux distributions for ethical hackers and penetration testers, highlighting their features and advantages. This list does include Kali Linux and few of its features.
Kali Linux
Kali Linux is the most well-known and widely used Linux distribution for hacking and penetration testing. Based on Debian, Kali Linux offers a vast collection of pre-installed tools and utilities designed for various security testing tasks.
I guess, we can thank Elliot for that, aka Mr. Robot. Yeah, Elliot did use Kali Linux for all is hacking activities thought out the TV show and did inspire a lot of people to join the realm of hacking and cybersecurity, including me.
It supports different installation methods, including virtual machines, Docker containers, Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), Raspberry Pi, mobile devices, cloud environments, and live USB. Kali Linux provides multiple desktop environments to choose from, allowing users to customize their working environment according to their preferences.
If you want to know on how to install Kali Linux using docker, read this article
Parrot OS
I don’t know if this is the best distro for pentesting, but I can surely say that this the best looking distro compared to all (by default).
ParrotOS is another popular Linux distribution that caters to the needs of ethical hackers and security professionals. It offers a range of features and supports various platforms such as virtual machines, Apple Silicon, cloud services, and Raspberry Pi. ParrotOS distinguishes itself with its visually appealing MATE desktop environment. In addition to its penetration testing edition, ParrotOS also provides a home edition with general tools focused on privacy and security, making it suitable for users who are not exclusively involved in cybersecurity.
BackBox
BackBox is a lightweight Ubuntu-based Linux distribution specifically designed for penetration testing and security assessment purposes. It provides a minimalistic approach and comes with the XFCE desktop environment. BackBox emphasizes the use of free and open-source software (FOSS) and is known for its wide range of pentesting tools. As it is based on Ubuntu, it benefits from more recent software packages and includes additional multimedia and proprietary drivers by default.
BlackArch
BlackArch Linux is an Arch Linux-based distribution that offers an extensive collection of penetration testing and hacking tools. It is known for its minimalistic approach, providing users with a clean installation featuring only a window manager and a right-click menu for launching applications. BlackArch is particularly attractive to those seeking the latest software packages, as it is based on Arch Linux, known for its rolling-release model.
Pentoo Linux
Pentoo Linux is a Gentoo-based distribution optimized for penetration testing and security assessments. It comes with a comprehensive set of security tools and applications, including popular ones like Metasploit, Nmap, Wireshark, John the Ripper, and Aircrack-ng. Pentoo Linux is highly customizable and can be tailored to specific security requirements. It is designed to accommodate both novice and experienced security professionals, offering flexibility and scalability.
Conclusion
While Kali Linux remains a popular choice for ethical hackers and penetration testers, there are other Linux distributions that provide robust and feature-rich environments for these activities. ParrotOS, BackBox, BlackArch, and Pentoo Linux are all noteworthy alternatives, each with its unique advantages and target user base. Depending on specific requirements and preferences, professionals in the field can explore these distributions to find the one that best suits their needs.
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